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FA WSL Preview: Everton Women vs Chelsea | Another tough challenge

Merseyside outfit travels to Kingsmeadow following a 4–0 drubbing last weekend.

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Everton Women v Chelsea Women - Barclays FA Women’s Super League Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

The most important thing to remember for a team that lost 4–0 in its opening fixture is that each week presents a new opportunity to earn three points.

Everton Women face fellow WSL side Chelsea on Sunday, September 12th at 7:30 a.m. ET/12:30 p.m. BST, with the game being played at Kingsmeadow. Last weekend’s loss to Manchester City was expected, but the result might have required a double-take. Conceding four goals at home after an impressive transfer window that saw a total of nine players arrive at Finch Farm is a disappointment, but perspective is paramount.

City had the luxury of bringing on Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp, Ellen White and Alanna Kennedy. Those five players make up the spine of a team that could realistically contend for the league title — some were being rested after the team’s Champions League match.

On top of that, the Toffees rolled out a starting XI that featured five newcomers. In other words, half of Everton’s field players have had only a few weeks to train with the team and learn Coach Willie Kirk’s system. The talent the Blues possess will never be in question. What Kirk will be judged on is whether or not he can get the squad to mesh. Expectations are high for this rendition of the Toffees. After the club put a massive emphasis on recruitment this summer, so results must follow sooner than later.

Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered a mildly shocking loss to open their campaign; the London-based outfit fell to a revamped Arsenal, 3–2, last weekend. After outlasting City in last season’s title race, Chelsea suffered a deflating, 4–0, loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final. And things have gotten off to an equally rocky start this year. There’s no shame in falling to Arsenal — a side that has title aspirations of its own — but Manager Emma Hayes will be looking for a positive result Sunday.

Most of the London’s players are household names, but the ones who could run rampant over the weekend are midfielder Ji So-yun, winger Pernille Harder and forwards Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr.

Last Meeting

The last time fans were treated to Blues squared was May 20 when Chelsea eased to a 3–0 victory in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

Match Details

Competition: FA Women’s Super League, Matchweek 2

Date and start time: Sunday, September 12th at 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. BST

Stadium: Kingsmeadow, London, England, United Kingdom

Capacity: 2,265

How to Watch/Listen

TV: N/A - United States; BBC Two - United Kingdom; Sportsnet - Canada, Optus Sport, Viaplay

Radio: evertontv

Live stream: Fubo, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com, Fanatiz USA, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Web, ATA Football, The FA Player, Sportsnet Now

*Royal Blue Mersey has affiliate partnerships and may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links provided.

Information from LiveSoccerTV.com

Lineups

TBD